August at the hermitage. Our Ruling Bishop, Iriney, Bishop of Orsk and Gay, often visits us—he comes to serve the Liturgy, rest, talk, fish, and enjoy some pilaf. Not many know, but officially our hermitage is named an Episcopal Metochion. During his last visit, Vladyka gave us a promised fishing rod for our angler, Sister Tamara, as well as an outdoor grill. Before this, we cooked on the outdoor grill for guests and sisters right over coals on bricks. You can watch a video about this Sunday here.

There are many pilgrims in July and August—everyone has finally escaped the cities to breathe the steppe air and pray together at the night services, and we are glad to welcome our guests. After the service in the starry church, you step out under an incredible starry canopy of heaven, and it feels like nothing else is needed except this sky, the steppe wind, and the night services.

As usual, our 'beacons'—young people from the 'Mayak' Supported Living Home, graduates of the Gay Boarding School for Children with Disabilities—are also visiting us.

We are currently recording our hermitage Liturgy, while the Orthodox gymnasium supported by the hermitage is already hard at work preparing for the school year. While the heat persists, there is no hint of autumn yet, though it always arrives imperceptibly and unexpectedly.

Donate to the hermitage / Submit a prayer request / Order books and gifts from the hermitage

For pilgrimage inquiries, please call: +79102025579